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Cited by 37Child Abuse and TraumaSexual Assault and Victimization StudiesAdolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Safe schools for teens: Preventing sexual abuse of urban poor teens, proof-of-concept study-improving teachers'and students'knowledge, skills and attitudes

Open access
Madrid, Bernadette J., Lopez, Gilda D., Dans, Leonila F., Fry, Deborah A., Duka-Pante, Francis Grace H., Muyot, Alberto T.·2020·Heliyon
DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04080PMC PMC7298418
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Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a difficult form of abuse to detect, with the peak age of reports from 13 to 15 years old. The recent revision of the Philippine school curriculum provided an opportunity to incorporate an educational intervention for prevention of CSA. This study aimed to improve the teachers' and students' knowledge, skills and attitudes on disclosure, identification, and reporting of CSA. This research is a two-phase proof-of-concept cross-sectional study of 237 teachers and 1,458 Grade 7 students from 2 public high schools in metro Manila over a two-year period. Phase 1 involved in-service training curriculum for all teachers on the recognizing, recording, reporting, and referral (4R's) of child abuse and establishment of a referral and support system. Outcome measures included pre- and post-tests and number of CSA reports. Phase 2 involved implementation of eight student modules through the Health and Values Education subjects of the curriculum. Outcome measures were pre- and post-intervention measurement of abuse and module content. Training of teachers resulted in an increase in confidence for identifying CSA from 25% to 57%, and a decrease in apprehension of reporting CSA from 40% to 33%. The Safe Schools for Teens intervention significantly improved self-reported knowledge on abuse, dating violence, and how to help friends as well as on adolescent's impulse control and emotional clarity. There was a significant decline from pre- to post-intervention in self-reported experiences of dating violence which includes physical, sexual and emotional violence, t(793) = 3.363, p = 001 as well as a significant decline in self-reported experiences of emotional abuse from a dating partner, t(837) = 2.693, p = 0.008. The Safe Schools for Teens intervention increases awareness and reporting of child sexual abuse. The intervention also reduces dating violence highlighting that the mindfulness focused approach in connection with systems strengthening is useful for addressing adolescent violence.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This two-phase proof-of-concept study in two Manila public high schools trained teachers in the 4Rs of child abuse and delivered mindfulness/healthy-dating modules to Grade 7–8 students to improve knowledge, reporting, and dating violence. It found increased teacher confidence and CSA reports, improved student knowledge and emotion regulation, and reduced self-reported dating violence, while some sexual violence self-reports increased.

Key findings

  • Among 219 teachers trained, confidence in identifying CSA rose from 25% to 57%; apprehension about reporting for fear of retaliation fell from 40% to 33%; difficulty reporting due to gathering evidence fell from 45% to 19%; knowledge of CSA signs rose from 31% to 69%; familiarity with reporting procedures rose from 45% to 75%. From August 2015–June 2017, there were 3 referrals from School A and 11 from School B, whereas there had been no reports to CPU-PGH or mandated authorities in the prior 5 years.
  • Grade 7 emotion regulation improved from pre-module (M 3.44, SD .49) to post-module (M 3.50, SD .50), t = 2.77, p = .006; largest factor improvements were impulse control, t = 4.11, p < .01, and emotional clarity, t = 2.50, p < .05. Knowledge quiz medians increased from 4 to 6 in Grade 7 and from 3 to 7 in Grade 8, both p < .001.
  • Self-reported any dating violence declined significantly, t(793) = 3.363, p = .001, and emotional abuse from a dating partner declined, t(837) = 2.693, p = .008; however, attempted unwanted sex increased, t(803) = -3.023, p = .003. Non-contact sexual abuse reporting increased, t(1426) = -2.279, p = .023, and self-reported perpetration of sexual abuse increased, t(1666) = -2.539, p = .011; contact sexual abuse increase was not statistically significant.
  • Incidental findings included significant decreases in bullying victimization, t(1603) = 5.579, p = .000; being physically harmed when bullied, t(1587) = 3.361, p = .001; and physical violence at home, t(1622) = 2.114, p = .035.

Methods

  • Mixed methods, two-phase proof-of-concept study in two public high schools in metro Manila over two years. Phase 1 included all 237 teachers, with 219 participating in 4R training; outcomes were pre/post TRAS-CSA and frequency of CSA reports. Phase 2 invited 1,458 Grade 7 students; modules were delivered through Health and Values Education, with pre/post emotion regulation, knowledge quizzes, and the SHBAES, plus focus group discussions with 32 teachers.
  • Quantitative analyses used paired samples t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; qualitative FGD data were analyzed with thematic content analysis.

Limitations

  • Stated by the paper: the short 6-month pre–post interval makes it difficult to measure changes in less prevalent violence and sustainability; students could not be matched pre-to-post due to privacy/confidentiality, so group means were analyzed; student turnover and more students at follow-up may have affected results; parental consent produced lower response rates; one school had administrative changes; and the study cannot determine whether increased reports reflect training success or actual incidence.
  • Evident from the design: there was no control or comparison group, and the convenience sample of two urban poor Manila schools limits causal inference and generalizability.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04080

Cites

58 of 58 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

9 tests recomputed · 0 with the reported and recomputed p on opposite sides of .05

Claims the paper makes

0 of 72 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    A five-year review of cases reported to CPU-PGH showed that no teacher from a public school has reported a case of child abuse.

    “A five-year review of cases reported to CPU-PGH showed that no teacher from a public school has reported a case of child abuse.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    There was a significant decline from pre-intervention to post-intervention in self-reported ever experiencing dating violence (physical, sexual, emotional), t(793)=3.363, p=.001.

    “There was a significant decline from pre-intervention to post-intervention in self-reported ever experiencing dating violence which includes physical, sexual and emotional violence, t(793) = 3.363, p = 001”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The changes in self-reported dating violence and sexual abuse from pre- to post-intervention are attributable to the intervention rather than to changes in reporting behavior or other factors.
    • Rests on an assumption: The SHBAES and other questionnaires accurately measure the constructs they intend to measure (e.g., dating violence, sexual abuse, emotion regulation).
    • Rests on an assumption: The students who completed both pre- and post-tests are representative of the student population.
  • Findingown data

    There was a significant decline from pre- to post-intervention in self-reported experiences of emotional abuse from a dating partner, t(837) = 2.693, p = 0.008.

    “There was a significant decline from pre- to post-intervention in self-reported experiences of dating violence which includes physical, sexual and emotional violence, t(793) = 3.363, p = 001 as well as a significant decline in self-reported experiences of emotional abuse from a dating partner, t(837) = 2.693, p = 0.008.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Pre- to post-intervention changes in outcomes are attributable to the Safe Schools for Teens intervention.
    • Rests on an assumption: Self-reported knowledge and experiences of abuse are valid measures of actual knowledge and experiences.
  • Findingown data

    The 4Rs training significantly increased teachers' confidence in identifying child sexual abuse.

    “Prior to the training, only 25% of the teachers reported being confident about identifying CSA. This increased to 57% after the training.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The changes in teachers' attitudes and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the 4Rs training rather than to other factors.
  • Findingown data

    Teacher training raised teachers' confidence to report CSA.

    “Teacher training raised confidence of teachers to report, reduced their fears in reporting, and improved their knowledge of CSA and the reporting process.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · boosted
      “Undergoing a short workshop greatly increased the teachers’ knowledge and confidence in identifying and reporting CSA.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 28
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 4
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 44

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    From August 2015 to June 2017, there were 3 referrals from School A (1 sexual abuse and 2 cyberbullying) and 11 referrals from School B (9 sexual abuse, 1 physical abuse and 1 bullying).

    “From August 2015–June 2017, there were 3 referrals from School A (1 sexual abuse and 2 cyberbullying) and 11 referrals from School B (9 sexual abuse, 1 physical abuse and 1 bullying).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The school CPC was implemented as described and functioned as intended.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All reported child sexual abuse cases had female victims with various perpetrators (both familial and non-familial), none of whom were peers.

    “All reported child sexual abuse cases had female victims with various perpetrators (both familial and non-familial), none of whom were peers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The 4Rs training significantly decreased teachers' apprehension and fear of getting into trouble for reporting child sexual abuse.

    “There was a general decrease in the teachers’ apprehension and fear of getting into trouble for reporting CSA cases after the training.”
    • Also stated in: § Phase 1. Reporting of child abuse · plain
      “Teachers who report child sexual abuse that is unsubstantiated can get into trouble. | 51% (n = 98) | 24% (n = 42)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The changes in teachers' attitudes and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the 4Rs training rather than to other factors.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The 4Rs training significantly reduced the proportion of teachers who would be apprehensive to report child sexual abuse for fear of family/community retaliation.

    “I would be apprehensive to report child sexual abuse for fear of family/community retaliation | 40% (n = 76) | 33% (n = 58)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The changes in teachers' attitudes and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the 4Rs training rather than to other factors.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Teachers reported that students were receptive to the modules and showed constant interest, openness, and active engagement throughout the conduct of the modules.

    “Teachers reported that students were receptive to the modules and showed constant interest, openness, and active engagement throughout the conduct of the modules.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The teachers who participated in the focus group discussions are representative of all teachers.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Teachers recommended that the modules be taught during different semesters of the school year or also taught in higher grade levels so the students could better retain the learnings.

    “They recommend that the modules be taught during different semesters of the school year or also taught in higher grade levels so the students could better retain the learnings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The teachers who participated in the focus group discussions are representative of all teachers.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the six emotion regulation factors, the largest improvement was in Impulse Control followed by Emotional Clarity, both showing significant improvement at T2.

    “Among the six factors, the largest improvement was in Impulse Control followed by Emotional Clarity, both showing significant improvement at T2 (see Table 5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The changes in students' emotion regulation and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the mindfulness and health modules rather than to other factors.
    • Rests on an assumption: The SHBAES and other questionnaires accurately measure the constructs they intend to measure (e.g., dating violence, sexual abuse, emotion regulation).
    • Rests on an assumption: The teachers delivered the modules with fidelity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The students who completed both pre- and post-tests are representative of the student population.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All teachers recommended that the activities be maintained and the modules be given longer time allotment.

    “All teachers recommended that the activities be maintained and the modules be given longer time allotment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The teachers who participated in the focus group discussions are representative of all teachers.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The 4Rs training significantly reduced the proportion of teachers who would find it difficult to report child sexual abuse because it is hard to gather enough evidence.

    “(with 45% reporting that before training they would find it difficult to report child sexual abuse compared to 19% of teachers post-training).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The changes in teachers' attitudes and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the 4Rs training rather than to other factors.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Teachers noticed positive changes in the students' behavior towards their peers and observed less fights between students.

    “The teachers noticed positive changes in the students’ behavior towards their peers and observed less fights between students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The teachers who participated in the focus group discussions are representative of all teachers.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The teachers noted in their feedback that the students who underwent the mindfulness modules were, in their experience, the best-behaved students that they have handled.

    “The teachers also noted in their feedback that the students who underwent the mindfulness modules were, in their experience, the best-behaved students that they have handled.”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusion · plain
      “The teachers noted positive changes in the students' behavior as a result of the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The teachers who were trained to deliver the mindfulness modules noted that they themselves were helped by the modules.

    “At the same time the teachers who were trained to deliver the mindfulness modules also noted that they themselves were helped by the modules and this could have resulted in an improved relationship with their students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Emotion regulation is a key target of mindfulness practice, and there are two ways by which mindfulness may regulate emotions: recognizing, acknowledging, and accepting emotions by naming it, and noticing how it is experienced in the body.

    “Emotion regulation is a key target of mindfulness practice, and there are two ways by which mindfulness may regulate emotions (Guendelman et al., 2017). One is by recognizing, acknowledging, and accepting emotions by naming it. The other way is by noticing how it is experienced in the body.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Guendelman et al., 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    School-based MBIs have shown significant reductions in depression.

    “These school-based MBIs have shown significant reductions in depression (Raes et al., 2014);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Raes et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The majority of disclosures of sexual abuse were made to friends.

    “The majority of the disclosures were made to friends while 10%–20% of disclosures were made to mothers (CWC & UNICEF, 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites CWC & UNICEF, 2016

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Male perpetrators of sexual aggression among college students had more difficulties in impulse control and less access to emotion regulation strategies compared to non-perpetrators.

    “a study of dating violence perpetrators among college students (Shorey et al., 2011) found that male perpetrators who exhibited sexual aggression, had more difficulties in impulse control, and had less access to emotion regulation strategies, compared to non-perpetrators.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shorey et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Recent reviews of school-based CSA prevention programs reported positive outcomes for children, including increases in self-protective skills, disclosure of abuse, increased understanding of sexual abuse, and emotional gains like increased self-esteem.

    “Recent reviews of school-based CSA prevention programs reported positive outcomes for children, including increases in self-protective skills, disclosure of abuse, increased understanding of sexual abuse (such as appropriate and inappropriate touch), and emotional gains like increased self-esteem (Fry, 2015; Walsh et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Fry, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Walsh et al., 2015

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Schools are appropriate settings in which Mindfulness-based Interventions can be efficiently implemented.

    “Schools appear to be appropriate settings in which Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBIs) can be efficiently implemented, for many reasons (Weare and Nind, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Weare and Nind, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Increased risk-taking behavior during adolescence leads to increased morbidity and mortality for this age group compared to younger years.

    “Increased risk-taking behavior during adolescence such as driving under the influence of alcohol, having unprotected sex and binge drinking lead to increased morbidity and mortality for this age group compared to younger years (Steinberg, 2008; Spear, 2013; Casey and Caudle, 2013; Smith et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Steinberg, 2008 source

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    • cites Spear, 2013 source

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    • cites Casey and Caudle, 2013

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Recent reviews stressed the importance of tailoring CSA prevention programs to suit the context and highlighted that many evaluated programs are from high-income countries.

    “However, these recent reviews also stressed the importance of tailoring CSA prevention programs to suit the context, and highlights that many of the evaluated programs are from high-income countries (Fry, 2015; Mikton and Butchart, 2009; WHO et al., 2016; Walsh et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Fry, 2015

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    • cites Mikton and Butchart, 2009 source

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    • cites WHO et al., 2016

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Female perpetrators of physical aggression among college students had more difficulties in emotion regulation overall compared to non-perpetrators.

    “Female perpetrators of physical aggression were also found to have more difficulties in emotion regulation overall compared to non-perpetrators.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shorey et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mindfulness helps with emotion regulation by focusing on the breath, and by knowing that emotions come and go.

    “Mindfulness thereafter helps with emotion regulation by focusing on the breath, and by knowing that emotions come and go.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The SHBAES was administered to students who had obtained parental consent.

    “It was administered to students who had obtained parental consent.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    All cases were handled with strict confidentiality.

    “All cases were handled with strict confidentiality.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The Filipino version of the Emotion Regulation Scale had an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 at pre-test.

    “Each factor was measured by 3–4 items with overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 at pre-test.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Parental consent was secured for the students' participation in the Survey on Health, Behavior and Adverse Experiences of Students (SHBAES).

    “Parental consent was also secured for the students' participation in the Survey on Health, Behavior and Adverse Experiences of Students (SHBAES).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The study used the Filipino version of the Emotion Regulation Scale, adapted from the DERS (Gratz and Roemer, 2004).

    “The second questionnaire was the Filipino version of the Emotion Regulation Scale (Gill and Lopez, 2018) adapted from DERS (Gratz and Roemer, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gill and Lopez, 2018

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    • cites Gratz and Roemer, 2004 source

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    Premisecitation

    School-based MBIs have shown decreases in rumination, intrusive thoughts, and emotional arousal.

    “decreases in rumination, intrusive thoughts, and emotional arousal (mindfulness with yoga, Mendelson et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Mendelson et al., 2010 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Kamalayan Program for Children is a Filipino developed intervention and one of the first known mindfulness school-based programs administered in a non-Western and low- and middle-income country.

    “The Values Education modules for Grade 7 were adapted from the Kamalayan Program for Children, which was a Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Filipino public school children (Alampay et al., 2019). Kamalayan is a Filipino developed intervention and one of the first known mindfulness school-based program administered in a non-Western and low- and middle-income country.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Alampay et al., 2019 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    School-based MBIs have shown increases in teacher-reported classroom behaviors such as paying attention, practicing self-control, participation, and caring for others.

    “increases in teacher-reported classroom behaviors such as paying attention, practicing self-control, participation, and caring for others (Mindful Schools curriculum, Black and Fernando, 2014);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Black and Fernando, 2014

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The questionnaires were self-administered, anonymous, with no marks to identify the student, as recommended by the Ethics Committee, and students could choose to answer or not answer any of the questions.

    “The questionnaires were self-administered, anonymous, with no marks to identify the student, as recommended by the Ethics Committee. The student could choose to answer or not answer any of the questions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The Safe Schools for Teens intervention increases awareness and reporting of child sexual abuse.

    “The Safe Schools for Teens intervention increases awareness and reporting of child sexual abuse.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Pre- to post-intervention changes in outcomes are attributable to the Safe Schools for Teens intervention.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The violence questions in SHBAES are part of the Philippines validation of the ICAST-Trial Teen tool, which is based on the validated ICAST-child questionnaire.

    “The violence questions in this survey, which this paper is focused on, are part of the Philippines validation of the ICAST-Trial Teen tool (in Filipino), a new instrument developed by the CAMEO group (Child Abuse Measures for Evaluation and Observation). This instrument is based on the validated ICAST-child questionnaire (Zolotor et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zolotor et al., 2009 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    School-based MBIs have shown lower levels of stress and psychosomatic complaints and gains in emotion regulation skills.

    “lower levels of stress and psychosomatic complaints and gains in emotion regulation skills (Learning to BREATHE program, Metz et al., 2013);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Metz et al., 2013 source

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    Study design and conductown data

    The study protocol was approved by the University of the Philippines Manila Research Ethics Board (UPMREB).

    “The study protocol, with registration number 2015-252-01, was approved by the University of the Philippines Manila Research Ethics Board (UPMREB).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    At the time the focus group discussions were conducted, the teachers and the FGD facilitators did not yet know the statistical results of the study.

    “At the time the FGD was conducted, the teachers and the FGD facilitators did not yet know of the statistical results of the study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Students were assured that all responses would be kept in confidence.

    “Students were asked to write their names and class section on the covering page of the questionnaire. But they were also assured that all responses would be kept in confidence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    No identifying marks were allowed by the Ethics Board for strict confidentiality and privacy.

    “No identifying marks were allowed by the Ethics Board for strict confidentiality and privacy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The authors were unable to find any evaluations of mindfulness school-based interventions for adolescents to prevent CSA and no studies of such programs in low-and middle-income countries.

    “Despite these emerging positive findings, the authors were unable to find any evaluations of mindfulness school-based interventions for adolescents to prevent CSA and no studies of such programs in low-and middle-income countries, an evidence gap which this study seeks to address.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The Filipino version of the Emotion Regulation Scale was adapted and translated for children from the DERS, and only 22 items were retained after exploring validity and reliability.

    “The Filipino version of the Emotion Regulation Scale (Gill and Lopez, 2018) was adapted and translated for children from the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale or DERS (Gratz and Roemer, 2004). After translation of the original DERS, only 22 items were retained after exploring the validity and reliability of the translated version (Gill and Lopez, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gill and Lopez, 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Gratz and Roemer, 2004 source

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  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    The observed increase in self-reported sexual abuse after the intervention is consistent with a known pattern of spikes in reporting after focused interventions due to increased understanding of what constitutes sexual abuse and reduced taboo around disclosure.

    “This is not an unusual finding for sexual abuse interventions which often see spikes in self-reported disclosures (both in surveys and to informal and formal sources) after the intervention (Fenton et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fenton et al., 2016

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study team observed and videotaped the delivery of the modules by each teacher at least once when they delivered the modules to the students.

    “The study team observed and videotaped the delivery of the modules by each teacher at least once when they delivered the modules to the students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Informed consent was obtained for all key informant interviews.

    “Informed consent was obtained for all the key informant interviews.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Thematic content analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006) was used to analyze the focus group discussion data.

    “For the focus group discussion (FGD), data was examined using thematic content analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Braun and Clarke (2006) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    This study was unable to match students directly from pre- to post-test due to privacy and confidentiality issues.

    “Another limitation is that this study was unable to match students directly from pre- to post-test due to privacy and confidentiality issues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    It is impossible to ascertain if the positive outcomes are sustained and if there will be a continued increase of actual reports of CSA to authorities.

    “In addition, it is impossible to ascertain if the positive outcomes are sustained and if there will be a continued increase of actual reports of CSA to authorities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Research emerging in Southeast Asia is showing more male sexual victimization.

    “While most child sexual abuse prevalence studies show that more females are victims of sexual abuse than males (Stoltenborgh et al., 2011; Pereda et al., 2009; Barth et al., 2012), research emerging in Southeast Asia (Chiang et al., 2016; Choo et al., 2011) are showing more male sexual victimization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Chiang et al., 2016 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Choo et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A critical interpretative synthesis of male sexual victimization by Depraetere and colleagues (2018) showed that prevalence rates of male sexual victimization vary considerably with up to 65% of men reporting sexual victimization.

    “A critical interpretative synthesis of male sexual victimization by Depraetere and colleagues (2018) showed that prevalence rates of male sexual victimization vary considerably with up to 65% of men reporting sexual victimization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Depraetere et al., 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The modules in Health on how to help friends and healthy relationships provide the students awareness that they are not alone in their plight, and that in our society, many children unfortunately become victims.

    “The modules in Health on how to help friends and healthy relationships provide the students awareness that they are not alone in their plight, and that in our society, many children unfortunately become victims.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    There may be students who left the school after the pre-test and students who entered before the post-test which could have affected the study results.

    “There may be students who left the school after the pre-test and students who entered before the post-test which could have affected the study results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Any intervention to prevent and help CSA victims can only succeed if there is an increase in the disclosure of children and there is a proper response to this disclosure.

    “Thus, any intervention to prevent and help CSA victims can only succeed if there is an increase in the disclosure of children and there is a proper response to this disclosure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The shorter follow-up period means that we are uncertain if the potential spikes in self-reporting of child sexual abuse would eventually decline as a result of the intervention.

    “This shorter follow-up period also means that we are uncertain if the potential spikes in self-reporting of child sexual abuse, as seen in this study and hypothesized to be a result of increased awareness of sexual abuse, would eventually decline as a result of the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Boys are less likely to disclose at the time of sexual abuse and most boys disclose when they are adults.

    “It has also been found that boys are less likely to disclose at the time of sexual abuse and that most boys disclose when they are adults (O'Leary and Barber, 2008; Gagnier, Collin-Vezina, 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites O'Leary and Barber, 2008

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Gagnier, Collin-Vezina, 2016 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The school with the lower response rate was in the middle of administrative changes which could have affected the study.

    “The school with the lower response rate also was in the middle of administrative changes which could have affected the study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Most child sexual abuse prevalence studies show that more females are victims of sexual abuse than males.

    “While most child sexual abuse prevalence studies show that more females are victims of sexual abuse than males (Stoltenborgh et al., 2011; Pereda et al., 2009; Barth et al., 2012), research emerging in Southeast Asia (Chiang et al., 2016; Choo et al., 2011) are showing more male sexual victimization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Stoltenborgh et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Pereda et al., 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Barth et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The teachers being helped by the modules could have resulted in an improved relationship with their students.

    “At the same time the teachers who were trained to deliver the mindfulness modules also noted that they themselves were helped by the modules and this could have resulted in an improved relationship with their students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Receiving parental consent forms resulted in lower response rates.

    “Receiving parental consent forms resulted in lower (but still normal according to the schools based on their experiences) response rates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Many of the children and youth did not know whether relationships were abusive or not.

    “Many of the children and youth did not know whether relationships were abusive or not (CWC & UNICEF, 2016; Crisma et al., 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites CWC & UNICEF, 2016

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Crisma et al., 2004 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    More students were surveyed at follow-up because of multiple visits to the schools which may have impacted the differences between pre- and post-tests.

    “Additionally, more students were surveyed at follow-up because of multiple visits to the schools which may have impacted the differences between pre- and post-tests.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The short interval makes it difficult to measure changes in less prevalent forms of violence and to evaluate sustainability of the changes.

    “This makes it difficult to measure changes in less prevalent forms of violence and to evaluate sustainability of the changes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    The mindfulness behaviours may also influence adolescent's behaviours with their parents.

    “This indicates that the mindfulness behaviours may also influence adolescent's behaviours with their parents, a topic which could be explored with further research.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Allowing teachers to understand fully the procedure in handling CSA dispelled their uncertainties and fear of repercussion, thus enabling them to perform their role in safeguarding the welfare of the children.

    “Allowing teachers to understand fully the procedure in handling CSA dispelled their uncertainties and fear of repercussion, thus enabling them to perform their role in safeguarding the welfare of the children.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The VACS showed significantly more males were sexually abused than females but the majority of reported cases to the police and the Child Protection Units are female.

    “Again, this is consistent with the situation in the Philippines where the VACS showed significantly more males were sexually abused than females but the majority of reported cases to the police and the Child Protection Units are female.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites CWC & UNICEF, 2016

      Not checked in the free run.

63 of 63

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The two public high schools selected are representative of urban high schools.

    “Two public high schools in the City of Manila were selected through convenient sampling as representative of urban high schools.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The quizzes designed by one of the researchers validly measure knowledge about helping friends and healthy relationships.

    “Quizzes to test knowledge about helping friends who disclose abuse and what constitutes a healthy, loving relationship were also included. The quiz was designed by one of the researchers to determine improvement in understanding of healthy relationships in dating context.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Pre- to post-intervention changes in outcomes are attributable to the Safe Schools for Teens intervention.

    “Outcome measures included pre- and post-tests and number of CSA reports.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Self-reported knowledge and experiences of abuse are valid measures of actual knowledge and experiences.

    “The Safe Schools for Teens intervention significantly improved self-reported knowledge on abuse, dating violence, and how to help friends as well as on adolescent’s impulse control and emotional clarity.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The changes in teachers' attitudes and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the 4Rs training rather than to other factors.

    “Comparing pre-test and post-test results, significant changes were noted in the teachers' attitudes towards their duty to report CSA.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The changes in students' emotion regulation and knowledge from pre-test to post-test are attributable to the mindfulness and health modules rather than to other factors.

    “Paired samples t-test for Grade 7 students showed that there was a significant improvement in Emotion Regulation from T1 before Grade 7 modules (M 3.44, SD .49) to T2 after Grade 7 modules (M 3.50, SD .50), with t = 2.77 and p = .006.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The changes in self-reported dating violence and sexual abuse from pre- to post-intervention are attributable to the intervention rather than to changes in reporting behavior or other factors.

    “There was a significant decline from pre-intervention to post-intervention in self-reported ever experiencing dating violence which includes physical, sexual and emotional violence, t(793) = 3.363, p = 001”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The SHBAES and other questionnaires accurately measure the constructs they intend to measure (e.g., dating violence, sexual abuse, emotion regulation).

    “The first questionnaire was the Survey on Health, Behavior and Adverse Experiences of Students (SHBAES) which measured changes in the students' health and well-being, experiences of bullying, dating experiences, perpetration behavior, and reports of any form of abuse.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The teachers delivered the modules with fidelity.

    “The study team observed and videotaped the delivery of the modules by each teacher at least once when they delivered the modules to the students.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The students who completed both pre- and post-tests are representative of the student population.

    “There was a total of 1,111 Grade 7 students who completed the pretest prior the Grade 7 mindfulness session (Time 1). Of these students, only 663 were able to take the posttest (Time 2).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The school CPC was implemented as described and functioned as intended.

    “The research team, in coordination with the school, operationalized the School CPC as described in the DepEd child protection policy and the signed memorandum of agreement.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The teachers who participated in the focus group discussions are representative of all teachers.

    “There was a total of 32 teachers who attended two focus group discussion at the end of the program.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Teachers have a duty to report cases of abuse according to the child protection law of the Philippines and the Department of Education Child Protection Policy.

    “Despite the fact that teachers have the duty to report cases of abuse according to the child protection law of the Philippines and the Department of Education Child Protection Policy, there are very few reports from schools received by the WCPUs and CPU-PGH.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There are very few reports from schools received by the WCPUs and CPU-PGH.

    “Despite the fact that teachers have the duty to report cases of abuse according to the child protection law of the Philippines and the Department of Education Child Protection Policy, there are very few reports from schools received by the WCPUs and CPU-PGH.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There are public schools without registered guidance counselors.

    “It is worrisome that there are public schools without registered guidance counselors.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The prevailing societal notion is that females are the more common victims of CSA.

    “This is contrary to the prevailing societal notion that females are the more common victims of CSA.”
16 of 16

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Implementing a curriculum raised the confidence of teachers to report, reduced their fears in reporting, and improved their knowledge of CSA and the reporting process.

    “A study in the Philippines in 2020 also found that implementing a curriculum raised the confidence of teachers to report, reduced their fears in reporting, and improved their knowledge of CSA and the reporting process (Madrid et al., 2020).”

    From Child abuse prevention education policies increase reports of child sexual abuse (2022) · cites this paper as Madrid et al., 2020

Statistics that don’t add up

Each reported p-value recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom.

  • Inconsistent p-value: t(837) = 2.693, p = .008

    Minor

    The paper reports p = .008 here; recomputing from the test statistic and its degrees of freedom gives p = .007 (two-tailed). The check cannot tell whether the statistic or the p-value is the misprint.

    Reported p = .008 · recomputed p = .007

1 of 1

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • Doesn’t add upt(837) = 2.693reported p = .008 · recomputed p = .007

    “t(837) = 2.693, p = .008”

  • Consistentt(803) = -3.023reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003

    “t(803) = -3.023, p = .003”

  • Consistentt(1426) = -2.279reported p = .023 · recomputed p = .023

    “t(1426) = -2.279, p = .023”

  • Consistentt(1666) = -2.539reported p = .011 · recomputed p = .011

    “t(1666) = -2.539, p = .011”

  • Consistentt(1603) = 5.579reported p = 0 · recomputed p < .001

    “t(1603) = 5.579, p = .000”

  • Consistentt(1587) = 3.361reported p = .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “t(1587) = 3.361, p = .001”

  • Consistentt(1499) = 2.381reported p = .017 · recomputed p = .017

    “t(1499) = 2.381, p = .017”

  • Consistentt(1669) = 4.156reported p = 0 · recomputed p < .001

    “t(1669) = 4.156, p = .000”

  • Consistentt(1622) = 2.114reported p = .035 · recomputed p = .035

    “t(1622) = 2.114, p = .035”

9 of 9

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • A reported sexual-abuse case lists friends as perpetrators

    Minor

    The results state that none of the reported sexual-abuse perpetrators were peers, but Table 4 lists friends as the alleged perpetrators of a sexual-abuse case.

  • Discussion reverses the direction of impulse-control change

    Minor

    The discussion cites a decrease in impulse control as a possible reason for reduced dating violence, whereas the results describe impulse control as the factor with the largest improvement.

2 of 2

Cites

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Cited by

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Related

Authors
Madrid, B. J., Lopez, G. D., Dans, L. F., Fry, D. A., Duka-Pante, F. G. H., & Muyot, A. T.
Affiliations
  • Philippine General Hospital (PH)
  • Ateneo de Manila University (PH)
  • University of Edinburgh (GB)
  • University of the Philippines Diliman (PH)
Corresponding author
Madrid, Bernadette J.
ORCID
Venue
Heliyon
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2020-06
Volume
6
Issue
6
Pages
e04080
ISSN
2405-8440 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04080
PMC
PMC7298418
OpenAlex
W3035258080
Semantic Scholar
7ea48939cfaf5102f2538b192ff7f2a0fde984f6
Cited by
37
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 2
FWCI
2.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Heliyon (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Edinburgh Research Explorer (University of Edinburgh) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
UBS Optimus Foundation (7887)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
Keywords
child sexual abuse prevention, child abuse reporting, teacher professional development, adolescent dating violence, emotional abuse, disclosure of abuse, abuse detection, school-based intervention, mindfulness, systems strengthening, high school students

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-08.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-08.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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